JYU alumni: Päivi Kosunen
Versatile education
Päivi Kosunen, Master of Philosophy, has a rich and multidisciplinary educational background: art history, mathematics, environmental sciences, chemistry, education, economics, and a degree in entrepreneurship from a vocational college. She strongly believes in broad-based education and maintaining curiosity. Päivi thinks that every additional study is useful. "A diverse education helps you understand the world and people," she says, and she cannot imagine a situation where she would not study or learn anything new.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Päivi worked at the University of Jyväskylä on the Polku 2.0 project, which developed continuing education related to the circular economy for students, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. She has also worked as a circular economy expert for the City of Espoo and at Talous ja nuoret TAT ry (now Nuorten yrittäjyys ja talous NYT), educating primary and secondary school students about circular economy issues. In addition, she has worked as a news reporter for various newspapers.
During the time at university, thinking skills developed and networks grew
Although Päivi was ten years older than her fellow students during her university studies, she easily slipped into the student community. Through her studies and active involvement in student organizations, she made friends, some of whom are still her colleagues and sparring partners. There is always someone to ask for advice. She feels that university taught her how to think.
"Even though I was clearly an adult, my university studies were an important time of growth."
Päivi considers curiosity and courage to be important assets in both studies and working life. A person who is eager to learn makes new discoveries and finds opportunities. Kosunen believes it is worthwhile to explore things broadly, study minor subjects, and network across disciplines, and to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Basic studies at university in any subject introduce students to the fundamental issues in that field; the studies improve general knowledge and introduce the vocabulary and ways of talking about phenomena in that field. Education is important, it helps us understand the world and people.
Päivi hopes that education and training will always consider all roles in people's lives, not just the demands of working life. In her opinion, this is important to remember even when education budgets are being cut and students are expected to graduate as quickly as possible.
However, expertise is not just about academic achievements. That is why Kosunen encourages everyone to practice recognizing their own expertise and to look beyond small communities.
"It is easy to become blind to the uniqueness of your expertise if you only operate within the bubble of your own field."
Social sustainability – the key to environmental well-being
Being an entrepreneur is a lonely job. That is why Päivi has tried to network, as community plays an important role in both coping at work and generating new ideas. In a group, there is an opportunity to discuss and explore issues extensively.
At present, Kosunen is particularly interested in the key role of social sustainability in solving environmental crises. She would like to explore how supporting individual well-being, strengthening community spirit, and promoting social sustainability could concretely reduce consumption and slow down climate change and the destruction of nature. Päivi is interested in different ways of solving environmental problems, and she constantly seeks out information that deals with these phenomena.
Päivi believes that sustainable development is not just about technical solutions or economic models. It is also about trust between people, participation, and the ability to work together.
“When people feel that they belong somewhere, they also care more about their environment.”
